Location: Jefferson City
Top Things to do in Jefferson City
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8 Museums in Jefferson City That You Shouldn't Miss
The Missouri State Capitol dominates a bluff overlooking the Missouri River and the bronze statue atop its 238 foot-high dome is the first thing that comes into view for visitors of Jefferson City. The same bluff was one of the first sites passed by Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition, and the city is close to both the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and KATY Trail State Park. The city is also home to the imposing Missouri State Penitentiary, the “bloodiest 47 acres in America.”
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1. Museum of Missouri Military History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Conkfamily - Camdenton, United States
Our Boy Scout Troop was in Jefferson City touring historical sites and we found out that there was a military museum close by so we added it to our trip. It is about 5 miles or so from the capital building. We arrived at the gate about 3pm and were welcomed by friendly security staff after showing them our drivers license and issued our visitor badges we were allowed in. This museum is located at the Missouri headquarter for the Missouri National Guard. The museum is made up of two parts and indoor section that has items of history with displays and descriptions of items and events, the out door part has retired planes, tanks, artillery, with description of the equipment. The museum is not large and we toured and felt like we had time and I would say we were there for an hour and half. The guide that was working the museum was friendly and knowledgeable, he did not pressure us to leave even though the museum's closing hour was 4pm and we were the past that. I would recommend touring the military museum if you are in Jefferson city and like to see historical places and things. I am glad we toured the museum and will add this to our scout activities when in Jefferson city. They do recommend if you are going to have more than 10 guests to let them know, we had more than 10 but as I said the guide was very accomidating.
2. Cole County Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Within the walls of this museum, the romantic history of Missouri unfolds. The building is filled with treasures of historical significance dating from the era of the Louisiana Territory. Spacious rooms are filled with antique chandeliers, rosewood and mahogany chests and settees, French mirrors and fine paintings. This is the only county museum in the country to display inaugural gowns of its state's First Ladies at times throughout the year. The museum is closed December 15 - February 1.
3. Capital Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
The Capital Arts Gallery primarily displays local artists and a few artists from around the state. Many pieces are for sale. Capital Arts provides artistic opportunities year round including studio classes for children and adults and the Imagination Station where kids can make art for $1[parent supervision required]. Capital Arts also sponsors and hosts a handful of citywide visual arts events
4. Colonel Alvin R Lubker Memorial Safety and Education Center
5. Missouri State Penitentiary Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
In conjunction with the Missouri State Penitentiary tours, the museum provides additional historical information about the famous prison that operated for 168 years. The museum houses MSP memorabilia as well as a replica cell that demonstrates the living conditions at the prison. Visitors can view the many displays that provide information on prison industries, contract labor/private industries, life inside the walls and control/counter-control.
Reviewed By DavidB8162
Good amount of items from the prison and interesting stories to read about. Loved seeing the photo of the prisoner diving into the pool to match the story that Larry told us about the requirement to be able to swim in the 2ft deep pool. Crazy!
6. Missouri State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
The Missouri State Museum is where visitors go to immerse themselves in the history of the Show-Me State. The museum, located in the State Capitol, houses an impressive collection of exhibits portraying the state's natural and cultural history. Museum staff provide tours of the Capitol.
Reviewed By tamiwhammy - Bellevue, United States
The museum is lovely and accessible, and it's in the State Capitol. i also recommend taking the tour of the Capitol building. It's beautiful. The tour lasts about an hour and gets you into some place that you cannot access on your own -- like the senate lounge with the thomas Hart Benton murals. You can see a reproduction in the museum, but the room with the originals is really something special. The building is great, the tour is informative, and the museum is really nice
7. Veterinary Medical Foundation Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By micaylag19
Michelle was very friendly. She showed us a video at the beginning which was informational. They had interactive tools and things that were interesting to see. Lots of history and cool artifacts. I would suggest reading everything they have displayed. Super cool!!
8. Jefferson City Museum of Modern Art JCMOMA
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2 reviews
